Hairstyling Apparatus for Forming Curls of Different Sizes

ABSTRACT

Provided is a hairstyling apparatus ( 1 ) for curling and smoothing hair, which includes: first and second elongate jaws ( 2, 3 ) which are pivotably movable relative to one another, the first jaw ( 2 ) having a first casing ( 6 ) supporting a first inner planar treatment surface ( 4 ), and the second jaw ( 3 ) having a second casing ( 7 ) supporting a second inner planar treatment surface ( 5 ), the inner surfaces ( 4, 5 ) being intended for pinching a lock of hair; and at least one heating element ( 41, 510 ) intended for heating at least one inner treatment surface ( 4, 5 ). The largest width (l 1 ) of the first casing ( 6 ) is no greater than 90% of the largest width (l 2 ) of the second casing ( 7 ). The first casing ( 6 ) and/or the second casing ( 7 ) is asymmetrical relative to the median plane in a longitudinal crosssection of said first casing ( 6 ) or said second casing ( 7 ), respectively.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a hairstyling apparatus that can use steamand is designed for styling, through contact with the hair, and inparticular, designed to straighten as well as curl a person's hair.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Traditionally, there exist two different types of hairstylingapparatuses for straightening or curling: rollers, whether heated ornot, a straightener or straightening iron and a curler or curling iron.

Apparatuses of the straightening iron or curling iron type generallycomprise two jaws that pivot with respect to one another around a sharedaxis, and each comprising one end that supports a treatment surface, atleast one of the treatment surfaces being heated, the other beingprovided to bring the hair into contact with the first, particularly byswitching from an open position of the jaws, enabling the insertion ofthe hair, to a closed position to put it in contact with the heatingpart.

The straightener has, on a first end of its jaws, two identical flat,heated surfaces that pinch the hair. In addition, the other end of thejaws forms two handles serving as a gripping area and making it possibleto switch from the open position to the closed one. The switch is mademanually by pressing the two jointed handles of the apparatus towardeach other to bring the treatment surfaces in contact with the hair. Alock of hair is straightened by moving the apparatus along that lock,from the root toward the tip, in a straight-line movement of the closedapparatus.

The curler has surfaces formed by a cylindrical heating mandrel with oneflap that pinches the end of the lock by pivoting on the mandrel beforewinding the whole lock around the mandrel. A lock of hair is curled bywinding the lock at least partially around the treatment surface(s) andby applying heat to set the curl, primarily statically.

In each of these two apparatuses, there is an option to also use steamapplied to the hair. This makes it possible to improve the styling ofthe hair, elongate the styling of the hair, keep moisture in the hair,care for the hair or aid the penetration of cosmetic agents into thehair.

There already exist straightening apparatuses that work with steam, suchas those described by the applicant in patents WO2009077672 andEP2591698. The straightener of the second document cited is illustratedin FIG. 1. It has a straightening iron comprising two identical flatstraightening plates that are facing one another and steam releaseholes. The steam straightener as described in EP2591698 and depicted inthis application is presented in FIG. 1 as the closest prior art. Thisapparatus, which is currently available on the market, is completelysatisfactory in terms of straightening and is able to produce enoughsteam output to thoroughly treat the hair fiber. Nevertheless, in orderto produce excellent straightening and substantial steam output, thisapparatus contains many internal elements with a configuration that istechnically optimized but that takes up a rather large space as comparedto a traditional straightening iron. Indeed, the jaw that produces steamcontains a steam-generating chamber. Thus, the two casings or even thetwo shells that hold the plates and the steam-generating chamber eachhave an external cover that, when viewed in a transverse cross-section,has the same width or the same larger width. However, the two coversoutline an asymmetrical, relatively flat exterior form, particularlywith regard to the the steam function, which is to say where the steamholes and the deflector facing the holes are located.

Thus, if the user wishes to use this apparatus to form curls by windingthe lock around one or both of the covers, he will not manage to form awell-rounded curl or to form a very regular curl, nor to slide it in afluid and regular fashion to undo the curl, once formed.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The objective of this invention is to remedy, at least in part, theaforementioned disadvantages, and to provide a straightener, with orwithout steam, that is not very bulky and that is capable of formingregular curls.

Another objective is to provide a straightener, with or without steam,that is not very bulky and that is capable of forming curls through aneasy method of use.

Another objective is to provide a straightener, with or without steam,that is capable of forming curls of at least two different sizes (ordiameters) or even at least three different sizes (or diameters) throughan easy method of using this apparatus alone.

Another objective is to provide a straightener, with or without steam,that is capable of making curls at a lower cost price.

Another objective is to provide a straightener, with or without steam,that is capable of making curls and that weighs less.

Another objective is to provide a straightener, with or without steam,that is capable of making curls and that is easy to manipulate, and inparticular easy to manipulate on the two handles or gripping areas,without touching the ends of the apparatus on the treatment side, whichcan sometimes be hot.

Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair bycontact with it, using steam, in which at least one of the steamoperating parameters can be controlled in a reliable manner.

Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair bycontact with it, using steam, that can put out a continuous—or evenconstant—flow of steam, corresponding to the control setting.

Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair bycontact with it, using steam, that is sturdy, and in particular sturdyunder impact, robust in operation and ages well, with regard tomechanical deformation, for example.

Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair bycontact with it, that can use steam, and that operates efficientlyand/or quickly.

Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair bycontact with it, that can use steam depending on the choice of hairstyleto be achieved and/or depending on the user's choice, before or duringthe treatment, and/or without having to add additional accessories.

Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair bycontact with it, that can use steam and that is easy and practical touse.

Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair bycontact with it, that can use steam and additional disposable componentsthat are simple and inexpensive in design.

Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair bycontact with it, that can use steam, and that is safe and can never burnthe user's scalp or hands.

These objectives are achieved, according to a first aspect of theinvention, with a hairstyling apparatus for curling and straighteninghair, comprising first and second elongated jaws that are pivotablymovable relative to one another, the first jaw having a first casingsupporting a first inner planar treatment surface, and the second jawhaving a second casing supporting a second inner planar treatmentsurface, the inner surfaces being designed to pinch a lock of hair, andat least one heating element designed to heat at least one innertreatment surface. In this apparatus, the largest width (l1) of thefirst casing is less than or equal to 90% of the largest width (l2) ofthe second casing. This characteristic, unlike any traditionalstraightener specifications, which are expected to have identical casingwidths, makes it possible to provide different casings and thereforemakes it possible to produce curls of different sizes around a casing orboth casings together in the closed position, all while keeping theapparatus simple and not very bulky. We will consider the largest widthas the reference for the size ratio between the two casings.Additionally, in this apparatus, at least one of the first or secondcasings is asymmetrical relative to the median plane in a longitudinalcross-section of said first casing or said second casing, respectively.This characteristic makes it possible to obtain curls, the curve radiusof which is not constant, for a more natural effect. According to theinvention, the second jaw comprises a means of releasing steam orientedtoward the first casing and adjacent to the second inner treatmentsurface. This makes it possible to provide the steam treatment beforethe straightening treatment in the recommended order of passing thestraightener over the lock. The technical components making it possibleto produce and extract the steam are enclosed inside the larger-sizedjaw, which is the broader jaw. The means of steam production comprisesat least one fluid reservoir in fluid communication with asteam-generating chamber, and the steam-generating chamber can be heatedby a heating means designed to also heat the treatment surface, or by aheating means dedicated solely to the steam-generating chamber.

More specifically, according to the invention, the largest width (l1) ofthe first casing is between 75% and 85% of the largest width (l2) of thesecond casing, and preferably equal to 80%. This makes it possible foreach casing to house all of the internal technical components whilelimiting the overall external bulk of the two covers or two shellsholding the hair treatment part.

According to the invention, when the jaws are in the closed position,the median plane (P1) in a longitudinal cross-section of the firstcasing, is parallel to and distinct from the median plane (P2) in alongitudinal cross-section of the second casing. This means that in atransverse cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of thestraightener, the cross-section is not orthogonally symmetrical withrespect to the straightening plane (P1). The straightening plane (P1) isdefined in that it contains the flat straightening area formed by thetwo flat treatment surfaces, one against the other, in the closedposition of the apparatus. Each of the two casings is arranged on eitherside of the straightening plane. Thus, in the treatment area, the firstcasing is offset with respect to the second casing. This dissymmetry oroffsetting makes it possible to provide an apparatus, the use of whichwill be intuitive for the user in one particular direction. Thisarrangement intuitively guides the user toward the most efficient methodof use.

More specifically, according to the invention, the distance between thetwo median planes (P1, P2) is between 5% and 20% of the value of thelargest width (l2) of the second casing, and preferably equal to 10%.This offsetting is pronounced enough to ergonomically guide the user.

According to the invention, when the jaws are in the closed position,one of the two longitudinal edges of the first casing is flush with thelongitudinal edge of the second casing arranged on the same side of thesecond casing. This means that in the closed position, two edges of thesame side of the apparatus are facing one another (as is usually thecase for a straightener) and, more importantly, the two edges of theother side of the casing will be offset with respect to one another. Onthe side where the edges are flush, the curve formed by the outline ofthe two shells or casings will be relatively symmetrical with respect tothe straightening plane (P1). The straightening plane (P1) is the planecontaining the straightening area formed by the two surfaces in contactwith one another. These two flush edges make it possible to formlarge-size curls by winding the lock around the two casings in theclosed position of the apparatus. These two edges that are flush withone another make it possible to form a loose, well-rounded curl, whichis to say, regular and without undesirable marks, with a relativelycompact apparatus relative to the size of the curl obtained.

According to the invention, the inner treatment surfaces are flat,identical and facing one another in the closed position, are arranged intheir respective casings and adjacent to said flush edges. By “adjacent”we mean as close or nearby as possible, considering productionlimitations, and taking into account the presence of any small bar thatmight be between the casing and the treatment surface. This means thatthe straightening treatment is done on the side of the flush edges.While in use on the lock being treated, these edges are to be arrangedon the scalp side, to allow the hair, among the various treatmentcombinations provided by the apparatus (such as straightening, steaming,and even combing or brushing), to be subjected last to the straighteningtreatment and to ensure the perfect finish to the hairstyle.

More specifically, according to the invention, each of said twolongitudinal edges is equipped with at least one small bar protrudingtoward the interior of the casing and made of the same material as saidcasings. This small bar protrudes relative to the outline of the casingand is oriented toward the interior of the casing. This small barideally forms two surfaces with a right angle (and not a chamfer), oneof the two surfaces of which is parallel to the treatment surface or thesurface of the adjacent straightening plate. This small bar makes itpossible, when the apparatus is closed, to hold the lock in tension, tosubject it to a scissoring effect and to curve it more easily. Thiseffect, known as “bolduc” (gift ribbon) in French, can be compared tothe effect of a scissor blade sliding over a “bolduc” ribbon to formcurls. The small bars are identical and arranged in the same place onthe jaws, to produce the same “bolduc” effect depending on the upward ordownward tilt of the straightener. The small bar has a specific designand a surface texture that enables the hair to have a friction force onthe upper small bar relative to the friction force on the externalsurface of the jaws. The surface texture can be a rough coating.

According to the invention, the width of each inner treatment surface isbetween 40% and 60% of the largest width (l1) of the first casing, andpreferably between 40% and 50%, and preferably roughly equal to 45%.About half of the width of the casings is occupied to produce the maintreatment step, which is the straightening step necessary to straightenthe lock that may then be curled, depending on the user's choice.

More specifically, according to the invention, the first casing has adeflector formed in its interior outline and arranged in a closedposition roughly facing the steam release means of the second casing.This deflector has several functions: to protect the scalp from any jetof steam that could burn it, direct the steam toward the hair, whichwill be passed over twice and thus receive a better treatment. The angleand arrangement of the deflector is such that its size is minimized asmuch as possible as compared to the closest prior art, while maintainingits functionalities.

According to the invention, the second casing comprises a comb or abrush oriented toward the first casing and adjacent to the second innertreatment surface. When combing or brushing functions are provided inaddition to the straightening function, the order in which the hair istreated is as follows: combing or brushing, then straightening or, ifsteam is formed, steaming, then combing or brushing, and thenstraightening.

More specifically, according to the invention, the first casing has agroove formed in its interior outline that is arranged, in the closedposition, roughly facing the comb or the brush of the second casing.This makes it possible to hold at least the free end of the comb or atleast the free end of the row of brush bristles in the closed position,while limiting the bulk as much as possible, all while protecting theend of the accessory (comb, brush, etc.) from any excessive tensioncaused while the apparatus is passing along the lock in the closedposition that could damage the comb. The comb should not abut the uppercasing before coming into contact with the heating plates.

According to the invention, the first handle of the first jaw and thesecond handle of the second jaw each have a width (Lp) that is strictlysmaller than the largest width (l1) of the first casing. This makes itpossible to have an easy grip for any size hand. Then handles extendalong the longitudinal axis of the respective casings. The edges of thecasings, which are flush with one another, are each in a particularaligned configuration (along a single straight line) with thecorresponding edges of the handles. The asymmetry of the apparatus isalso pronounced in the handles.

According to the invention, the external surface of the first casing andsecond casing at least covering the treatment area formed by thetreatment surfaces is essentially smooth. This enables the locks toslide as much as possible when they are wound around one or both of thecasings and when they have to be released without impacting the shape ofthe curls produced, shiny surface texture, such as Charmilles 0 or 3.The roughness (Ra) of the surface referred to as “essentially smooth”will range between 0.2 μm and 2 μm, and more specifically between 0.2 μmand 0.5 μm. At least one gripping area can be arranged on the externalsurface of the casings. This gripping area is adapted to limit thetransfer of heat in order to offer the option of a different manner ofhandling it without a risk of burn, by holding the jaws by the casinginstead of by the handles. For example, the surface of this grippingarea can be made of a different material or can have a different surfacetexture from the rest of the external surface of each casing.

According to the invention, in a cross-section, the line defined by theexterior outline of the first and second casings is a rounded curvewithout any point of inflection. According to one specific aspect, theline is never visually flat. This makes it possible to provide anapparatus of reduced bulk, capable of forming curls, the overall outlineof which is roughly rounded. For these reasons of bulk and differentcontents of the two casings, the exterior outline is nevertheless notcircular. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a fluidreservoir and a steam-generating means that is in fluid communicationwith the steam release means and an actuator designed to control thesteam-generating means. This makes it possible to control the steamseparately from the heating of the treatment or straightening surfaces.The user has a choice through this actuator.

According to the invention, the steam-generating means comprises anelectric pump and said actuator is designed to control the electricpump. This makes it possible to control the supply to thesteam-generating chamber independently of the heating of the treatmentor straightening surfaces. Thus, if the user wishes to stop generatingsteam, he presses the actuator or switch to stop the operation of theelectric pump, while the heating of the steam-generating chamber remainsunchanged by the activation of the switch, and continues. If the userwishes to have steam once again, he will activate the switch, which willrestart the electric pump and make the steam immediately operational, asthe steam-generating chamber will have remained at the appropriatetemperature while the pump was stopped. The user has a choice, throughthis actuator, between stopping the steam immediately and restarting thesteam immediately.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be easier to understand the invention upon review of theembodiments, which should not be understood as limiting in any way, andwhich are illustrated here:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an apparatus according to the priorart;

FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, depict a perspective view of an apparatusaccording to the invention in an open position and in a closed position,respectively;

FIG. 4 depicts a transverse cross-section view of the casings accordingto the invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a dimetric view of the apparatus according to theinvention, from the side on which the casing edges are flush with oneanother;

FIG. 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of the apparatus according tothe invention;

FIG. 6′ depicts a cross-section view of the remote base of the apparatusaccording to this alternative embodiment.

The same reference numbers are used to indicate the same or even similarcomponents depicted in multiple drawings.

DETAILED PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

As depicted in all of the drawings, including FIG. 1, which depicts theprior art, the hairstyling apparatus (1) comprises a first jaw (2) and asecond jaw (3) arranged facing one another. Each jaw can be broken down,at least functionally, into two parts: a casing that holds the hairtreatment bodies, and a handle for the user to grip it. Each casing isformed in one piece. The casing and the handle can be a single piece asan extension of one another. Thus, the first jaw (2) can be formed of afirst casing (6) and the first handle (6′) and the second jaw (3) can beformed of the second casing (7) and the second handle (7′). The firstinner treatment surface (4) is supported by the first jaw (2), and morespecifically by the first casing (6), the second inner treatment surface(5) is supported by the second jaw (3), and more specifically by thesecond casing (7). The two jaws (2, 3) are connected so as to switchbetween an open position and a closed position, in which the innertreatment surfaces (4, 5) pinch a lock of hair. The first (4) and second(5) hair treatment surfaces are flat, complementary surfaces which, whenthe apparatus is in the closed position, move to roughly fit together topinch the lock of hair, thus making it possible to straighten it whenthe lock is slid through in a straight-line movement. The two treatmentsurfaces are essentially symmetrical relative to the straightening planewhen the apparatus is in the closed position. Likewise, the heatingelements of each treatment surface are essentially symmetrical relativeto the straightening plane when the apparatus is in the closed position.

The first jaw (2) and the second jaw (3) are connected by a hinge-typejoint, and a maximum opening angle (α) of the two jaws is between 5° and60°, or even between 10° and 20°, and preferably approximately equal to15°. In addition, the apparatus is depicted here still in an “open” restposition, but it can be in a “closed” rest position, as depicted inpatent EP2145557, said jaws being assembled to pivot to the other endbetween an open position enabling the insertion of hair between the twotreatment surfaces, and a closed position to put the hair in contactwith the two treatment surfaces, and the apparatus comprises a means ofreturning the demi-handles, which press the treatment surfaces together.The pivot axis of the two jaws supporting the treatment surfaces can beplaced at the ends of the jaws (as depicted here) or placedapproximately in the middle of the jaws to provide an apparatus with ascissor-type joint.

The material forming the treatment surfaces (4, 5) is made of metaland/or ceramic and/or glass and/or plastic material and/or a fiberpiece. At least one of the first and second casings has a single heatingelement designed to heat, through contact, the corresponding treatmentsurface, and by radiation, the coating. The treatment surface can riseto a temperature of between 130 and 230° C. The casing and the externalhandle are in one piece to form the jaw. The material forming theexternal part of the casing, or even also the external part of thehandle, can be plastic, such as fiberglass-reinforced PBT (polybutyleneterephthalate). It is important for this material to have a very smoothsurface. The material forming the interior part of the casing, or evenalso the interior part of the handle, can be plastic, such asfiberglass-reinforced PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

As depicted in FIG. 4, the apparatus (1) comprises at least one heatingmeans (41) to heat the first treatment surface (4). In one particularembodiment, the apparatus (1) also comprises a heating means (51) toheat the second treatment surface. The one or more heating means (41,51) can be a heating element that can be a PTC (positive temperaturecoefficient) thermistor or a ceramic element that lies flat against thetreatment surface (4, 5) or is arranged inside the element comprisingthe treatment surface (4, 5).

As depicted in FIG. 4, the apparatus (1) comprises in one embodiment ameans of generating steam (80) from the fluid, comprising asteam-generating chamber (81) and a heating means (or heating element orheater element) (82), for the steam-generating chamber. The one or moresteam-generating chamber(s) are made of aluminum, and may comprise asteam release means (31) that can be formed by one or more steamdelivery holes, such as a row of holes, for example. The one or moresteam-generating chamber(s) (81) can be lying flat in direct or indirectcontact against the corresponding heating element (82). The properpressing of the heating element (82) and therefore its optimal operationare ensured by a spring-loaded strip (not depicted), for example.

A temperature sensor can be preferably arranged above the inlet of fluidinto the chamber. The heating means (82) of the steam-generating chambercan be at least one heating element that can be a PTC (positivetemperature coefficient) thermistor or a ceramic element that is lyingflat against one of the walls or arranged inside the element forming thetreatment surface, and it can be identical or separate from the heatingmeans of the treatment surface. The means of delivering or releasing thesteam (31) can have a series of steam release holes arranged laterallyto the first treatment surface (4), and preferably set back a bit fromthe treatment surface (4). Alternatively or additionally, the steamdelivery means has a series of holes arranged on the treatment surface.The steam release flow is approximately between 3 and 4 g/min, andpreferably approximately equal to 2.5 g/min. The internal constructionof the apparatus and particularly of the steam-generating means isdescribed in full detail in the applicant's patent EP2449909.

As depicted in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the hairstyling apparatus (1) forcurling and straightening hair measures, at its largest width (l1) ofthe first casing (6), less than or equal to 90% of the largest width(l2) of the second casing (7). More specifically, the largest width (l1)of the first casing (6) is between 75% and 85% of the largest width (l2)of the second casing (7), and preferably equal to 80%. These largestwidths are essentially constant over the casing, except on the ends ofeach casing, which is why a value range is indicated. Moreover, FIG. 4is a cross-section roughly in the middle of the casings.

In the closed position of the jaws (2, 3), as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4,the median plane or even the sagittal plane (P1) in a longitudinalcross-section of the first casing (6) is parallel to and separate fromthe median plane (P2) in a longitudinal cross-section of the secondcasing (7). The distance between the two median or sagittal planes (P1,P2) is between 5% and 20% of the width of the largest width (l2) of thesecond casing (7), and preferably equal to 10%. Thus, the body of thetwo casings is not symmetrical along a transverse longitudinal plane,but offset.

The outline of the apparatus is clearly asymmetrical and is usedjudiciously, both to decrease the bulk of the internal elements and tofacilitate the process of using the straightener for forming curls ofdifferent sizes. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the jaws (2 and 3)are in the closed position, one of the two longitudinal edges (61) ofthe first casing (6) is flush with the longitudinal edge (71) of thesecond casing (7) arranged on the same side of the second casing (7).Transverse longitudinal plane P4 and transverse longitudinal plane P5,respectively, are the median plane of the inner treatment surface (4)and the inner treatment surface (5), respectively. In the cross-sectiondepicted in FIG. 4, this plane (P4) is parallel and offset toward theexterior with respect to planes P1 and P2. Planes P4, P1 and P2 areparallel to one another and are each orthogonal to the straighteningplane (P1). In addition, the first casing (6) and the second casing (7)of this example are also asymmetrical relative to their respectivemedian planes (P1, P2) in a longitudinal cross-section.

As we have seen, the inner treatment surfaces (4, 5) are flat,identical, facing one another in the closed position, and are arrangedin their respective casings (6, 7) on the side and nearby said flushedges (61, 71). In FIG. 4 is shown the flush line, a line runningtangent to the edges (61, 71) of the casings or covers that are flushwith one another. This line is orthogonal to the straightening plane(P1). The curves of the outlines (Ii6, Ii7) of the respective casings(6, 7) form a circular arc that is essentially continuous at the flushedges (61, 71), and therefore the value of the circular arc isapproximately 15 mm.

Each of said two longitudinal edges (61, 71) is provided internally witha small bar (62, 72) that protrudes toward the interior of theapparatus, preferably made of the same material (such as PBT plastic) assaid casings (6, 7). These small bars are arranged in the same way onboth casings as depicted in FIG. 5. They make it possible to applytension to give a “bolduc” ribbon effect to the hair, which slides overone of these small bars during the straightening action. This is a firstway of forming inward or outward curls, respectively, depending on whichsmall bar is used—the one arranged on the bottom or the one arranged onthe top of the straightener, respectively.

As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4, the width (l) of each inner treatmentsurface (4, 5) is between 40% and 60% of the largest width (l1) of thefirst casing (6), and preferably between 40% and 50%, and even roughlyequal to 45%.

As depicted in FIG. 4, here is a non-limiting example of the dimensionsof the apparatus according to the invention:

l1: largest width of the first casing (6)=45 mm

l2: largest width of the second casing (7)=52 mm

h1: largest height of the first casing (6)=23 mm

h2: largest height of the second casing (7)=32 mm

l: width of each inner treatment surface (4, 5)=25 mm

r: radius of the curve formed by the outline of each side of the firstcasing (6): about 14 mm.

The straightener according to the invention has its second jaw (3)comprising a steam release means (31) oriented toward the first casing(6) and adjacent to the second inner treatment surface (5). Precisely,this means that the first jaw (2) comprises, for the hair treatment,only one straightening plate, while the second jaw has, for hairtreatment, a straightening plate and at least one additional hairstylingfunction. Said at least one additional hairstyling function may be oneor more functions chosen from the following list: steaming, combing,brushing, ionizing, applying tension with the small bar made of asilicone-type material, or applying tension with a small movable barthat oscillates, for example. This invention thus provides a compacthairstyling apparatus with an additional hairstyling function to that ofstraightening, and with the ability to form curls of at least twodifferent sizes, or even at least three different sizes. To do this,said additional hairstyling function is built into the broader of thetwo casings. The invention resides in the best reduction of the width ofthe jaw casing with only the straightening function, without resultingin a dysfunction, either in terms of safety or efficacy, of the completehairstyling apparatus. Consequently, the formation of curls, as well asthe “release” of the curls, constituted an additional limitation on thesize and shape of the casings.

If a steam function is built into the second jaw (3), it may beimportant for the first casing (6) to have a deflector (21) formed inits interior outline and arranged in a closed position roughly facingthe steam release means (31) of the second casing (7). This deflectormakes it possible to protect the scalp from any undesired spray of steamor condensed droplets of hot water. This deflector (21) makes itpossible to direct the steam toward the hair, which will be passed overtwice by the steam. The deflector in the prior art depicted in FIG. 1was very broad, flat and covered the entire size of the jaw it wasfacing. The sizing of the deflector (21) of the invention depicted inFIG. 4 was carefully chosen by the inventors to retain this function;the width dimension is decreased as much as possible such that it justcovers the steam release holes (31). Moreover, the shape of thisdeflector has been modified; it is no longer flat as depicted in FIG. 1,but the interior outline of the first casing (6) is slanted upward toserve as the deflector.

As depicted in FIG. 4, the second casing (7) comprises a comb or brush(32) oriented toward the first casing (6) and adjacent to the secondinner treatment surface (5). In this case, the first casing (6) can havea groove (22) formed in its interior outline and arranged in the closedposition roughly facing the comb or brush (32) of the second casing (7).In this way, the comb clearly separates the entire thickness of the lockwithout the combing function taking up too much space.

As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first handle (6′) of the first jaw (2)and the second handle (7′) of the second jaw (3) each have a width (lp)that is strictly smaller than the largest width (l1) of the first casing(6), which is to say, at the smallest width on the two casings (6, 7).Consequently, the edges of the casings (6, 7) that are arranged flushwith one another are, in these cases, aligned with the edge of the sameside of the handles to form a coinciding alignment line (L_(ali)) asshown in FIG. 2. It turns out that this alignment increases theergonomics of the apparatus, which can be manipulated by any size hand.

The external surface of the first casing (6) and the second casing (7)is essentially smooth. The friction coefficient was measured usingroughness measurements of the shell in the area designed for winding thecurls as follows:

a) Ra measurement on the “flat” upper part, or even the part that istangent to the horizontal of the shell (6) depicted in FIG. 4:

In the longitudinal direction: 0.24; 0.23; 0.22 μm, which is 0.23 μm onaverage;

In the transverse direction: 0.22; 0.44; 0.27 μm, which is 0.31 μm onaverage.

b) Ra measurement on the lateral part, to the left and to the right ofthe casing (6) depicted in FIG. 4:

In the longitudinal direction: 0.24; 0.23; 0.43; 1.63 μm, which is 0.24μm on average, with localized peaks ranging up to 1.63 μm.

The roughness meter used is from the brand Mitutoyo, no. JP1010. Thestatistical criterion R_(a) is statistical, and it is the averagearithmetic deviation with respect to the average line.

This makes it possible to wind and “release” the curls easily withoutdamaging the lock of hair.

In a transverse cross-section as depicted in FIG. 4, the line defined bythe exterior outline of the first and second casings (6, 7) is a roundedcurve without any points of inflection. A major portion of the work wasto define, as best as possible, the most rounded and fluid outlinepossible of the casings, without any points of inflection and accordingto the overall bulk of the internal components and the safety andefficacy measures established by the apparatus. It is notable that in atransverse cross-section, there are no flat lines that are visuallydetectable by the naked eye. On the first casing, it has circular arcson the sides that are smaller than the circular arcs on the sides of thesecond casing. The curve radii of each side of the first casing (6) areroughly identical. This makes it possible to form the roundest possiblecurls. This also makes it possible to avoid having corners on theapparatus, which are fragile to impact. In a cross-section view, theexterior outline of the first casing (6) is roughly a reduction of theexterior outline in a transverse cross-section of the second casing (7)at a ratio of approximately 0.8.

According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a fluid reservoir(83) and a steam-generating means (80) in fluid communication with thesteam release means (31) and an actuator (85) designed to control thesteam-generating means (80). More specifically, the steam-generatingmeans (80) comprises an electric pump (84), and said actuator (85) isdesigned to control the electric pump (84). This makes it possible tocontrol the supply to the steam-generating chamber (81) independently ofheating the treatment or straightening surfaces (4, 5). The user has achoice, by this actuator (85). If he wishes to make curls with orwithout steam, the user presses the actuator directly. The electric pumpmay be a peristaltic pump, for which the actuator (85) will control themotor.

FIGS. 6 and 6′ depict an alternative embodiment of the invention. Theapparatus has a two-piece configuration: a straightening iron asdescribed in the invention presented above, and a remote base. Thisconfiguration is described in the applicant's patent EP2449910. Thus,the apparatus (1) designed for hairstyling, comprising a base (1000),comprising a (main) fluid reservoir (83), a hand-held unit (100)comprising a means of generating steam (80) from the fluid, a means ofdelivering the steam (31) to the hair, a cord (121) comprising at leastone tube designed to transfer the fluid and arranged between the mainfluid reservoir (83) and the steam-generating means (80), the hand-heldunit (100) comprises at least one first treatment surface (4) designedto come into contact with the hair, and the means of generating steam(80) from the fluid are exclusively provided in the hand-held unit(100). The base is referred to as “remote” from the hand-held unit, andcan be placed on a work surface. The base comprises a receptacle (1001)for holding the hand-held unit or hand piece (100) when it is not inuse, and comprises a cover (2030) for adding the fluid; the cover (2030)may be completely removable to replace the demineralization means (2000)(cartridge) when necessary. A portion of the base may be madetransparent so that the user can be visually alerted that theion-exchanging resin is changing color, as it is no longer operative. Itcomprises a demineralization means (2000) that makes it possible toreduce the calcium content of the fluid added to the base. Thisdemineralization means (2000) is arranged between an intermediaryreservoir that receives the “raw” fluid and between the reservoir (83)that contains the “purified” fluid intended for the hairstylingapparatus (1).

As depicted in FIG. 6′, the base (1000) comprises a demineralizationmeans (2000) and a fluid reservoir (83); the fluid is carried by thecord (121) comprising a fluid tube (121′) and electrical wires (121″).The means of conveying the fluid from the reservoir in the base to thesteam-generating chamber of the hand-held unit (100) comprises anelectric pump (84), in this case a peristaltic pump, the motor (84′) ofwhich is controlled by the actuator (85) arranged here on the base(1000).

Alternatively, the apparatus may take on a configuration depicted inFIG. 2, comprising a single apparatus with a built-in fluid reservoirand a built-in steam-generating actuator (85).

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION IN OPERATION

In operation, the user connects the electrical power supply to theapparatus, the PTC- or ceramic-type heating element begins heating thesurfaces designed to come in contact with the hair, and a separateheating element (or the same heating element) begins heating thesteam-generating means (80) (when there is a steam function), the usertakes hold of the apparatus and applies it to pinch the lock of hairreceiving the treatment.

Since the two casings are asymmetrical, the arrangement of the apparatuson the lock is significant: the user must arrange and close thestraightener so that the two flush sides are as close as possible to thescalp; the direction is depicted in FIG. 2. Then, the user can performthe traditional straightening step by sliding the hair in a rectilinearfashion along the lock, in the direction shown by the arrow drawn on thefirst casing (6) in FIGS. 2 and 3.

When the user wishes to form small-sized curls, he proceeds as follows:with the apparatus (1) in the open position, he winds the lock of hairaround the first casing (6), and then closes the straightener as closeas possible to the scalp, holds it still for several seconds and thenslides the apparatus (1) toward the free end of the lock to “release”the lock. This makes it possible to form small-sized curls.

When the user wishes to form larger-sized curls, he proceeds as follows:once the apparatus is closed as close as possible to the scalp, heslides it along the entire length of the lock and, at the end of thelock, he keeps the apparatus in the closed position and spins it arounditself to wind the lock around the two casings (6, 7) in the closedposition up to the scalp, and then, after a few seconds, he unwinds thelock. This makes it possible to form smooth, shiny, large-sized curls.

Each static step can last a few seconds, or even one or two minutes,enough time to allow the curls to form properly. The length of the pausevaries in particular depending on the temperature of the apparatus andon the kind of hair being treated.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The invention offers many advantages, which include providing ahairstyling apparatus, and particularly a straightener:

-   -   With a steam function option, that is not very bulky and is able        to form regular curls,    -   With a steam function option, that is not very bulky and is able        to form curls by an easy-to-use method,    -   With a steam function option, that is able to form curls of at        least two different sizes (or diameters) or even at least three        different sizes, by an easy-to-use method,    -   With a steam function option, that is able to make curls, at a        low production cost for this single apparatus,    -   With a steam function option, that is able to make curls and        that has a reduced weight,    -   With a steam function option, that is able to make curls and is        easy to manipulate, and in particular to manipulate with the two        handles or gripping areas and without touching the end of the        apparatus on the treatment side, which can sometimes be hot,    -   With a steam function option, able to control, in a reliable        manner, at least one of the operating parameters of the steam,    -   With a steam function, that can provide continuous, or even        constant, steam output, corresponding to the control setting,    -   With a steam function option, that is sturdy, and in particular        sturdy under impact, robust in operation and that ages well with        regard to mechanical deformation, for example.    -   With a steam function option, that works efficiently and/or        quickly,    -   With a steam function option, that is easy and practical to use,    -   With a steam function option, and additional disposable        components that are simple and inexpensive in design,    -   With a steam function option, that is safe and can never burn        the user's scalp or hands,    -   With an increased product lifespan, which decreases the        environmental impact of the device,    -   With safe, reliable operation providing a high-quality hair        treatment,    -   Sturdy, robust operation that ages well,    -   Efficient and/or quick operation,    -   Airtight operation;    -   That functions in any position of the apparatus,    -   That is easy and practical to use,    -   With a simplified structure,    -   That can be manufactured at a low cost,    -   That produces less undesirable friction,    -   That is no longer at the mercy of mechanical deformation of the        casings for activating a component,    -   That no longer causes irregular stress with regard to the force        applied by the user for closing or opening.

Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodimentsdescribed and depicted, which have been provided only as examples.Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the makeup ofthe various components or by substituting equivalent techniques, whilenevertheless remaining within the scope of protection of the invention.

1. Hairstyling apparatus for curling and straightening hair, comprising:first and second elongated jaws that are pivotably movable with respectto one another, the first jaw having a first casing supporting a firstinner planar treatment surface, and, the second jaw having a secondcasing supporting a second inner planar treatment surface, the innersurfaces being designed to pinch a lock of hair, at least one heatingelement designed to heat at least one inner treatment surface, a largestwidth (l1) of the first casing being less than or equal to 90% of alargest width (l2) of the second casing and at least one of either thefirst casing or the second casing being asymmetrical with respect to amedian plane (P1, P2) in a longitudinal cross-section of said firstcasing or said second casing, respectively, wherein the second jawcomprises a steam release means oriented toward the first casing andadjacent to the second inner treatment surface.
 2. Apparatus accordingto claim 1, in which the largest width (l1) of the first casing isbetween 75% and 85% of the largest width (l2) of the second casing. 3.Apparatus according to claim 1, in which, in the closed position of thejaws, the median plane (P1) in a longitudinal cross-section of the firstcasing is parallel to and distinct from the median plane (P2) in alongitudinal cross-section of the second casing.
 4. Apparatus accordingto claim 3, in which a distance between said two median planes (P1, P2)is between 5% and 20% of a value of the largest width (l2) of the secondcasing.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which, in a closedposition of the jaws, one of two longitudinal edges of the first casingis flush with a longitudinal edge of the second casing arranged on asame side of the second casing.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, inwhich the inner treatment surfaces are flat, identical and are facingone another in a closed position, and are arranged in their respectivecasings adjacent to said flush longitudinal edges.
 7. Apparatusaccording to claim 5, in which each of said longitudinal edges isprovided with at least one small bar that protrudes toward an interiorof the casing.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which a width (l)of each inner treatment surface is between 40% and 60% of the largestwidth (l1) of the first casing.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 1, inwhich the first casing has a deflector formed in its interior outlineand arranged in a closed position substantially facing the steam releasemeans of the second casing.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 1, in whichthe second casing comprises a comb or a brush oriented toward the firstcasing and adjacent to the second inner treatment surface.
 11. Apparatusaccording to claim 10, in which the first casing has a groove formed inits interior outline and arranged in a closed position substantiallyfacing the comb or brush of the second casing.
 12. Apparatus accordingto claim 1, in which a first handle of the first jaw and a second handleof the second jaw each has a width (lp) that is smaller than the largest(l1) of the first casing.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 1, in whichan external surface of the first casing and the second casing isessentially smooth.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which, in atransverse cross-section, a line defined by an exterior outline of thefirst and second casings is a rounded curve without any points ofinflection.
 15. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a fluidreservoir and a steam-generating means in fluid communication with thesteam release means and an actuator designed to control thesteam-generating means.
 16. Apparatus according to claim 15, in whichthe steam-generating means comprises an electric pump and in which saidactuator is designed to control the electric pump.
 17. Apparatusaccording to claim 1, in which the largest width (l1) of the firstcasing is about 80% of the largest width (l1) of the second casing. 18.Apparatus according to claim 3, in which a distance between said twomedian planes (P1, P2) is about 10% of a value of the largest width (l2)of the second casing.